A new interstellar polyatomic molecule: detection of propynal in the cold cloud TMC-1
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Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Analysis of Volatile and Oxidation Sensitive Compounds Using a Cold Inlet System and Electron Impact Mass Spectrometry
Published on: September 5, 2014
W M Irvine1, R D Brown, D M Cragg
1Five College Radio Astronomy Observatory, University of Massachusetts, USA.
Abstract:
We report the detection of the acetylene derivative propynal (HC triple bond CCHO) in the cold cloud TMC-1, with an abundance that is very close to that for the related species tricarbon monoxide (C3O). Propadienone, an isomer of propynal with the formula H2C=C=C=O, was not detected and is hence less abundant than either C3O or HC2CHO.
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